Ballymore names Birse Civils for Snow Hill redevelopment

Developer Ballymore Properties yesterday named Birse Civils as contractor for the first phase of its £400 million mixed use scheme at Snow Hill in Birmingham in a move which signals that the redevelopment of the city centre site is set to get under way.

Developer Ballymore Properties yesterday named Birse Civils as contractor for the first phase of its £400 million mixed use scheme at Snow Hill in Birmingham in a move which signals that the redevelopment of the city centre site is set to get under way.

The Midlands office of Birse CLhas been awarded the contract to carry out major infrastructure improvements at the 3.65 acre site, adjacent to Snow Hill Station.

The first 50-week phase to transform the area will involve significant reconfiguration of the highways and public walkways, which have characterised Snow Hill Queensway since the 1960's.

Reflecting its status as both a gateway for those entering the city from the A38 Aston Expressway and surrounding routes, as well as an important link to the Jewellery and Gun Quarters, the Snow Hill Queensway/St Chads Circus intersection will become two traffic-signal controlled T-junctions with surface level pedestrian crossing facilities.

Ballymore says Snow Hill Queensway will become a landscaped boulevard with two lanes of traffic, creating a more enticing area for pedestrians and will include public areas linking Colmore Row with the proposed development.

The proposals also include a public square fronting St Chads Church, incorporating the landmark back into the heart of the city centre.

Ballymore's development manager, Richard Probert said: "This is a crucial stage in kicking off the project and the appointed Birse CL team with its experience and proven expertise is set to undertake a vital role in the timely and efficient delivery of the scheme."

He added: "Ballymore Properties has been working closely with Birmingham City Council and the region's public transport organisations, to formulate an integrated approach to the phased schedule of works.

"Together we are committed to ensuring that public inconvenience is kept to a minimum during the first stages redevelopment and that public safety and awareness are of utmost importance."

Glyn Holt, regional business development director of Birse CL, also said: "We are thrilled to be a part of the team behind the Snow Hill development and are looking forward to working with Ballymore Properties on this prestigious project for Birmingham."

Formerly leased on a temporary basis to Birmingham City Council as a public car park, the vacated parcel of land at Snow Hill Queensway and its surrounding road networks is set to undergo a complete transformation.

KPMG has selected the site for its Birmingham headquarters. The landmark agreement will see the firm relocate its Birmingham operations to Building One.